Honduras There is a high rate of crime in this region, which contributes to its high levels of poverty. Additionally, the infrastructure is not always the best, so power outages and water shortages are not uncommon. The Caribbean island of Roatan, Honduras, is a popular tourist destination. If you are renting a villa or condo I would suggest you check with your landlord or the property management company and ask if the door locks are key or electronic. [emailprotected], Your email address will not be published. Roatan has a lot to offer, including the beautiful beaches, the laid-back atmosphere, and the friendly people. Isla de Roatn is the largest of the Bay Islands of Honduras, in the Caribbean Sea. If notarizing a permission letter in the United States, the letter should be apostilled by the U.S. state registrar where the notary is registered. The warm, welcoming island of Roatan is an ideal place to visit. The Honduran government has also issued a new travel warning for the Northern Triangle region. Be careful driving, especially near schools and day care centers during the day as kids walk to and from school along the main roads. If you stay in a secure place you don't have any worries. Despite this, Roatan is a poor country in a variety of ways. In fact, Island Magazine named Roatan the #1 island in the world to retire to in 2011 and it was also listed on Kiplinger.com as one of 8 great places to retire abroad. Crime can be easily avoided . email [emailprotected]. Despite the difficulties that have arisen, Roatan is still a safe and beautiful place to visit. In Punta Gorda, you will find the largest population of Garifuna people. width: 100%; reaching out to all Roatan residents! It has the tropical lifestyle, stunning beauty, and smokin appreciation potential. For sensitive individuals, use anti- itch cream or coconut oil to alleviate itchiness. Where do most expats live in Honduras? Approximately 31 miles long and less than 5 miles wide at its widest point, Roatan only has a population of around 28,400 people, but this island paradise attracts thousands of tourists to its pristine shores each year. If you have been looking for a retirement spot with ideal weather, picture perfect beaches and affordable prices thats only a short plane ride away, consider Roatan, Honduras. @media only screen and (max-width: 600px) { While no place on the planet is completely safe I never felt in danger there and I would bet that Roatan will fall well within the personal safety range of nearly everyone. Thanks for any input. I have a 2 bedroom fully furnished condo in W. Bay. If you are snorkeling, dont forget that you may feel cool in the water but your back is exposed to the bright sun. In the end, you must decide for yourself what your definition of safety is and where your personal threshold is. This Central American country actually has one of the highest murder rates in the world. Hazardous areas/activities are not always identified with appropriate signage, and staff may not be trained or certified either by the host government or by recognized authorities in the field. However, according to a recent report from the U.S. State Department, the crime rate in Roatan Honduras is relatively high when compared to other countries in the region. The newspaper reports that the body of Philip Foster Brown was found in a ravine near a road leading from West End to West Bay in Roatan on Tuesday. Id like a source for monthly rentals in Roatan and for 6 -12 month leases. The Honduran government conducts police and military patrols in major cities in an effort to reduce crime. Honduras, the second poorest country in Central America, is in the midst of a recession. You will love Roatan and it's people, just use your head regarding safety and health. Jim Walker graduated from law school in 1983 and has been handling maritime law cases for the past thirty-five years. } Roatan is now open for visitors after Honduras officially reopened its airports for international flights on August 17th, 2020. Many cruisers anchor in places like Calabash Bight, and other East-End anchorages without any problems. There is no road access, and it is frequently used for drug smuggling operations because it is so difficult to patrol. 7 years ago Park & Josh closed their businesses, moved to Central America, and bought a 400 acre island in Panama. Travel to Honduras should be avoided if possible. The islands, like Roatan, are much safer due to limited access. Port agencies have worked to improve taxi service to/from ports. There is no disputing that Honduras has problems with crime, much of it due to the extreme poverty, and also the proliferation of drug trade participants. The beach walk betweenWest BayandWest Endshould not be attempted alone, as muggings have occurred in this isolated stretch of beach. So, lets first dispense with the boring statistics. Tegucigalpa M.D.C. Enjoying a few umbrella drinks at a local beach bar and forget to pick up your wallet or purse while you take a bathroom break andwell, you get the picture. Book a flight, pack your bags and take a tour around the island to see if life in Roatan is in fact the life for you. Gracias a Dios Department Level 4: Do Not Travel. Honduras crime rate & statistics for 2018 was 38.93, a 5.01% decline from 2017. Top 57 Places to Live & Invest in the Tropics. The increasing interest in the area as a , What was once theup-and-coming expat havenofNosara, Costa Rica, has blossomed into one of Costa Rica's most established expatcommunities thatcontinues to be ranked near the top of the list of most desirable destinations in the Latin , When you hear people applaud Nosarafor its laid-back rustic vibe, what you may not realize is that despite it's off-the-beaten-path atmosphere, Nosara is also surprisingly well connected. You are about to leave travel.state.gov for an external website that is not maintained by the U.S. Department of State. The official language of Honduras is Spanish. A general lack of prudence or showing off large sums of cash can turn visitors into prime targets for a crime of opportunity. Ted: Our number came from the 2001 Census where the island had a rough population of 28,000, most recent numbers are showing a population closer to 50,000 plus. Add data for Roatan, Consider looking into aggregate data we have for Crime in Honduras. For this reason, you should apply sunscreen before exposing yourself to an extended period outdoors. We love Roatan. And with 4 modern supermarkets, bilingual schools (teaching English and Spanish) and other first world amenities available on the island, adjusting to Roatan life can be made a little easier for North American expats. The bandito shot the car up, terrifying the three children in the car as well as their parents, who had . After a rainfall, local the roads can be very slippery, and you should reduce your speed and take extra caution when driving. There are dozens of dive sites scattered throughout Roatan, including the 2nd largest coral reef system on the planet that is located just offshore. Avenida La Paz document.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); Cruise ship accidents, injuries, crimes, disappearances, fires, and collisionson the high seas involve issues of maritime law. One of the most popular pastimes in Roatan is scuba diving, so if you are a diver, you are definitely in for a treat. Please see Fact Sheet for this country/area. Mr. Bown was one of three foreigners (i.e., not Honduran) in Roatan who died under mysterious circumstances according to the Honduran press. padding: 1.25rem 1.25rem 1rem; more, Get answers to your questions about Roatan, Health Concerns - Vaccinations, Shots, Stabs and Jabs. Aviation Safety Oversight: As there is no direct commercial air service to the United States by carriers registered in Honduras, the U.S. Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has not assessed the government of Hondurass Civil Aviation Authority for compliance with International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) aviation safety standards. First responders are generally unable to access areas outside of major cities and to provide urgent medical treatment. Basic infrastructure, such as electricity, water, and healthcare, is lacking. Hello all. Whether its the latest news on politics, business, entertainment, sports or health, weve got you covered. Guadeloupe, Martinique, Saint Martin, and Saint Barthlemy (French West Indies), North Korea (Democratic People's Republic of Korea). This includes leaving handbags hanging on the back of chair backs or under a table. Life in Roatan, Honduras, can be calm and relaxed, but it can also be lively and invigorating depending on how you choose to spend your days. For years, street gangs have charged protection money from bus and taxi drivers and store owners in Honduras, as in neighboring El Salvador. Roatans economy is driven by a thriving tourist industry, propelled by its well-deserved reputation as a world class diving destination. During the 1980s, Honduras proved a haven for anti-Sandinista contras fighting the Marxist Nicaraguan Government and an ally to Salvadoran Government forces fighting leftist guerrillas. While Roatan is generally a safe place to visit, there can be some issues related to theft. His corpse was found yesterday wearing only shorts with a bag over his head. We can: Domestic Violence:U.S. citizen victims of domestic violence may contactthe U.S. Embassy for assistance. International Child Abduction Prevention and Return Act (. .jason-signup { When you close your eyes and picture your dream retirement, what do you see? Be the first to discover secret destinations, travel hacks, and more. Roatan is a safe island. The annual humidity for Roatan is estimated to be 77%. Keep a copy in your purse or wallet and only take as much cash as you will need. Also, the cruise ship passengers do tend to help the local economy by spending money. The more touristy parts of the island (on the west end) are the most populated and there is safety in numbers. In these slow times, the local people have no work, no source of income, and many are on the verge of starvation. In this case, the victims went to Coxen Hole to report the incident. These neighborhoods have a high level of security and a combination of gated layouts and security patrols in place. It is well-known for its incredible offshore reefs and is ideal for both new and advanced divers alike. I get questions about moving to Roatan all the time. Dont flash a wad of bills or a wallet full of credit cards. When they see a Gringo pull in with a boat worth 100 times more than they will ever earn in a lifetime, they get tempted. These are examples of how to commit a crime or steal from you. Burglaries are the most common type of crime in Roatan. Is Roatan Honduras safe? clear: both; Do not physically resist any robbery attempt. Leave your Rolex and big diamonds at home and keep a low profile. Although scorpions are uncommon in Roatan, if you come across one, you should seek medical attention. See ourwebpagefor further information. That said there is no question that your tetanus vaccine should be up to date. Despite the fact that thousands of tourists fly in and out of Roatan each year, Honduras does have crime. Find information ondual nationality,prevention of international child abduction, andcustoms informationon our websites. Friday, 7:30a.m. There are only a few street food vendors and with the abundant seafood available, typical of an island, many restaurants and beach bars offer a varied menu. It is safer, faster, and much easier to take land or water taxi. Approximately 60 percent of Honduras 8 million people are impoverished, which is a major source of poverty. Country Summary: Violent crime, such as homicide, armed robbery, and kidnapping, is common. Local police and emergency services lack sufficient resources to respond effectively to serious crime. The beaches, reefs, and turquoise waters of Roatan are ideal for diving and snorkeling, and the locals are warm, welcoming, and always ready to lend a hand. With an almost total absence of guns and the purchase of ammunition being restricted and almost impossible to find, petty criminals are likely to have neither and rely on the inattention of tourists (many who may have had a few too many rum drinks) to make their living. Kind of the way I live at home too. Fraudulent deeds are common and have led to numerous disputes. Drug trafficking gangs, corruption, and extreme poverty keep Honduras down. While some areas in Honduras may be more dangerous than others, the majority of the country is relatively safe. Definitely don't leave home without some really good bug spray. One of the major dilemmas that many retirees face when deciding on a location for a second, or even primary home, is how much distance they are willing to put between them and their families back in the U.S. On the one hand, relocating to an affordable tropical paradise may sound almost too good to be true, but on the other, not being able to run over to see the grandkids every day could be a deal breaker for some expats. U.S. government employees have no restrictions on travel to these areas. Getting residency in Roatan is a relatively simple process and you can be granted a retirement Visa as long as you can prove that you have a monthly income of $1,500. At the time of this writing, the roads on Roatan are generally horrible, narrow with deep ruts, broken pavement, and large gaps where only sand and dirt exist. Roatan is very casual, and by dressing casually, you will not draw attention to yourself. Quickly find out which country is right for you. We cover local and national news stories that are relevant to the United States and the Leicester area. Crimes against property are the most common with petty theft being the leader. Sandy Bay, the West End, West Bay, Pristine Bay, Palmetto Bay Plantation, Keyhole Bay, and a number of other East End neighborhoods are among the most popular. I read the Honduras gov. Roatan is in a third world country, and as such, it is not unusual to find cattle, horses, erratic taxi drivers, large trucks, and other unsafe motorists. Since 2010, Honduras has had one of the highest per capita murder rates in the world, ranging between 59 and 86 per 100,000 according to the U.S. Department of State. There have undoubtedly been some burglaries. The real estate market in Roatan is actually related to the U.S. economy, which consequently, is where the largest number of Roatan expats hail from. The two activities that are almost guaranteed to get you into trouble on Roatan are drugs and prostitution. float: left; Further, there is no evidence of significant gang activity or violence on the island. The people are friendly and welcoming, the scenery is beautiful, and the climate is ideal. However, many activists report that crimes committed against the LGBTI community go unpunished. When at the beach, or in a public area, do not leave your bags unattended. Is there a safe harbor for tourists at Roatan? Mr. Brown, who had lived on the island of Roatan in a community on West Bay for several years, disappeared from his home several days ago, leaving a large pool of blood on the porch of his house. There are many communities around Roatan which are void of crime. Many expats live in Roatan, Utila and Copan , and I think there's a pretty strong expat community in La Ceiba and maybe Trujillo too (there's a new development there that seems to be attracting a lot of Canadian investors)," said one . Visitors to Honduras must have a valid visa issued by a Honduran diplomatic mission. There is no road access, and it is frequently used for drug smuggling operations because it is so difficult to patrol. SeeourLGBTI travel informationpage and section 6 of theDepartment of State's Human Rights reportfor further details. Everything that anyone could possibly think or say about crime, malaria & dengue has been discussed on this forum hundreds of times. If notarizing a permission letter in Honduras, the letter should be notarized by the Consular Section of the U.S. Embassy or by a Honduran notary public. Our thanks to Ken Carrothers, Dockmaster at Fantasy Island Marina, for his comments about crime and safety in Honduras in response to the recent attack on a cruising yacht in Port Royal, Eastern Roatan. Please leave one below or join the discussion on our Facebook page. Certain areas of the island should be avoided because they are not considered to be so dangerous. width: 100%; Evidence of onward travel. Violent gang activity, such as extortion, violent street crime, rape, and narcotics and human trafficking, is widespread. I have been researching Roatan for the last couple of years, and the consensus of the vast majority of recently UPDATED sites state 70,000, with Bay Island Voice just blogging me that it is probably approaching 80,000. The government often lacks the money to pay their police or customs officials for months at a time. Roatan is a long, skinny island. New data shows where U.S. expats are residing all across the globe. Local police and emergency services lack sufficient resources to respond effectively to serious crime. Visit our website forTravel to High-Risk Areas. Read the entire Travel Advisory. Latest News Profile Criminal Actors Investigations News See our webpage for more information on insurance providers for overseas coverage. If you are a beach lover, West Bay Beach cant be beat. Do you live in Roatan? Also contact the U.S. Embassy at 011-504-2236-9320 or 011-504-2238-5114 (and after-hours at 011-504-2238-5114, extension 4100). Honduras walk to the beach. And while Roatans safety rating is lumped in with mainland Honduras, Roatan is separate in geography, culture, and safety. Make two copies of all of your travel documents in case of emergency, and leave one with a trusted friend or relative. This should not be overplayed, however. .fullwidth-signup{ Coxen Hole, Los Fuertes, French Harbour, are some of the main places where tourist and residents alike should keep a watchful eye. It is not easy to find these individuals without a deliberate effort. 1. Honduras is home to a small island with a total population of more than 115,000 people known as Roatan. Now I am retiring, with two small pension. As a school teacher, location near schools might be a key component as well. Roatan Honduras came onto the radar of Cruise Law News in January of this year when a U.S. family who took a Carnival cruise to the island was robbed at gun point while driving in a rental car. To add an anchorage click on the map to place the red marker. I am looking for a room or apartment share or a budget place to stay for two months. He was invited to do so by English Parliamentarians who were, The best way to prevent crime is to be proactive. That said, this has not occurred recently. Call us in Washington, D.C. at 1-888-407-4747 (toll-free in the United States and Canada) or 1-202-501-4444 (from all other countries) from 8:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m., Eastern Standard Time, Monday through Friday (except U.S. federal holidays). Maritime Travel:Mariners planning travel to Guatemala should also check forU.S.maritimeadvisoriesandalerts. I know the island is small, but traveling from the West end to the East End daily doesnt sound like fun. Depending on the type of repellent you choose, you may need to reapply it every few hours for it to work. Despite the fact that thousands of tourists fly in and out of Roatan each year, Honduras does have crime. Honduras is far more deadly than even the most violent U.S. cities. Honduran law requires all vehicles involved in an accident to remain in place until Transit Authority agents arrive. There are certainly crimes committed on Roatan and those crimes are on par with other booming tourist destinations across the globe. Rents vary depending on length of stay. Honduras crime rate & statistics for 2019 was 42.01, a 7.91% increase from 2018. The short answer is yes. There are many things that can be done to prevent crime, but it is up to each individual to decide. Dressing down, staying cautious about where valuable items are kept, and keeping safe areas are all ways to prevent these types of crimes. J-M Should we get only rent a house with a security guard? Do you live in Roatan? The first rainy season will occur from June to July and the second (the winter rainy season) will span from October to February respectably. Terms of Use and All rights reserved, The Queen Of England: A Look Back At 1992, The Best Looking Kings Of England: Edward VII Charles II And George, Impeachment: American Crime Story Everything You Need To Know. Simply enter your e-mail below to subscribe to International Livings free daily e-letter and well immediately send your free reportThe Worlds Top 10 Retirement Havens, Join International Living Today and Get the 2023 Global Retirement IndexFREE with This Special Offer. Recommended Web Browsers: Microsoft Edge or Google Chrome. Editors Note: The information contained on this page was compiled using real traveler reviews about warnings or dangers on Isla de Roatn. However, the ability of Honduran law enforcement authorities to prevent, respond to, and investigate criminal incidents, and to prosecute criminals is limited. Re: Crime in Roatan. Roatan is a part of the Honduran Bay Islands. Afghanistan, Central African Republic, Iraq, Libya, Mali, Somalia, South Sudan, Syria, and Yemen are among the most dangerous countries to visit in 2022, according to the United Nations. Roatan is such a lovely place. Furthermore, some crimes are also prosecutable in the United States, regardless of local law. Tourism:The tourism industry is unevenly regulated, and safety inspections for equipment and facilities do not commonly occur. Transportation on Roatan can be a challenge as public transportation is a bit sketchy. Travel Smarter! Offshore banking isn't just for the super rich. Who knows how many keys get 'lost'. Despite its size, it is home to a plethora of natural beauty and . If your health requires frequent medical intervention, or even periodic interventions, Roatans medical services may be stretched to respond. Check with your airline for vaccine requirements and be up-to-date on allvaccinations recommendedby the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. ), travelers can provide copies of the relevant paperwork such as a court decision, birth certificate naming only one parent, death certificate, etc. We plan to rent at first, and then buy. Hope to get back for Spring break in fact. Most areas around Roatan are safe. Diarrheal illness is very common even in large cities and luxury accommodations. Law enforcement is also slow to respond, if at all. While Honduras and the United States have signed and ratified a Stolen Vehicle Treaty, existing Honduran laws protect good faith buyers (even of stolen vehicles), so the recovery and return of these vehicles to their original owners is not guaranteed. Please help get the word out to cruisers. Carlos Mejia, head of the Policeman in Roatn, he told LA PRENSA this afternoon that "we are working with two strong . If there is no second parent with legal custody of the child (e.g., the second parent is deceased, one parent has sole custody, etc. A traveler who is found to have any amount of marijuana in their possession (including vape cartridges, edibles, organic cannabis, etc.) With so much to offer, what is keeping expats from immediately jumping on the next plane to Roatan, Honduras? Violent gang activity, such as extortion, violent street crime, rape, and narcotics and human trafficking, is widespread. Due to a lack of evidence, Lahijani was released and he traveled to Panama. Similarly, the government lacks resources like boats to patrol these more isolated areas. And with gangs, the drug cartel, and the highest per capita murder rate, its no wonder that some expats feel wary. And to connect with individuals who dabble in either of these two activities, one must go out and look for them. Do you live in Roatan? Just my two cents. Please leave this field empty. Find many great new & used options and get the best deals for Carnival Cruise Lines Blue T Shirt Mens M Crewneck Isla Roatan Retro 90s Vintage at the best online prices at eBay! overflow: hidden; Then, click on the red marker to open the add anchorage window. It is a fact that poverty, drug dependence, and many other factors contribute to crimes of this type. Roatan and the Bay Islands have significantly fewer incidents of crime and are overall much safer than mainland Honduras. Instruct the driver not to pick up other passengers, agree on the fare before you enter the vehicle, and have small bills available for payment, as taxi drivers often do not make change. Further information may be found on theFAAs safety assessment page. Seafood ceviche is a common menu item and I happen to love it. Your Question The capital of Honduras is Tegucigalpa. Enjoy the simple things in life as you spend your days lounging on the beach, scuba diving, hiking through the lush forests, or stretching out in a hammock with a good book. But it's also easy to read those blogs and marketing pieces and think, "Yeah, it , A deeper look atNosara and its history will quickly reveal that this long-time mecca for surfing enthusiasts offers so much more than just the sand and sea. float: left; These areas should be avoided entirely by tourists, and instead they should spend their time in the safer southern and eastern parts of the country. TEGUCIGALPA, Honduras -- Honduras became the second country in Central America to declare a state of emergency to fight gang crimes like extortion. Of course, for those that would rather steer clear of the crowds, privacy can be found on the east end of Roatan. Crime in these neighborhoods is prevented through a combination of gated layouts and security patrols. Vaccinations:Honduras requires proof of Yellow Fever immunization if traveling to or coming from another country endemic with Yellow Fever. Just do a search, you'll find plenty of opinions & information. will face criminal prosecution for possession or trafficking. Free shipping for many products! Poverty and corruption are two of the most serious challenges that people face in Roatan. I would not say that cruisers should avoid the eastern part of the Island of Roatan. He received his information from his research and the Mayors of the two Municipalities on Roatan. Effective June 2, 2021: All travelers, regardless of age, must provide either proof of full vaccination against COVID-19 or negative test results for a PCR, Antigen or ELISA COVID-19 test taken less than 72 hours before entry into Honduras. The truth of the matter is, the majority of the crime in Honduras is situated on the mainland in the country's major cities. No-hype updates & resource guides. } LGBTI travelers should exercise caution, especially when expressing affection in public. But unless youre catching a flight, Coxen Hole isnt the best area for expats. If you are a resident of another country or region, please select the appropriate version of Tripadvisor for your country or region in the drop-down menu. What are the rules on bringing in pets (2 indoor cats, in my case)? There have also been cases of police harassment of patrons in LGBTI nightclubs. Crime in these neighborhoods is prevented through a combination of gated layouts and security patrols. Sand flies can also be an annoyance here, and are burrowed in the beach sand. This large hill side lot offers ocean views and is located in a tranquil community of Guaiabara Beach.This up and coming seaside community is located in Big Big Its rare to find a large lot in a gated community, and this one in the Palmetto Bay development is over 1 1/3 acres.